Phormium ‘Rainbow Queen’

flax lily 'Rainbow Queen'

Phormiums are easy to care for evergreens with magnificent sword-like leaves, perfect to add a tropical flair to a sunny border.

Phormium ‘Rainbow Queen’ displays pale green foliage which is lined with rich pink and bronze contrasting stripes.

Want to be notified when this product is back in stock?

Origin: New Zealand
Genus: Phormium
Species / Cultivar: tenax 'Rainbow Queen'
Common Name: flax lily 'Rainbow Queen'

Plant Biography

Phormium are a genus of only two species: Phormium tenax which is native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island, and Phormium colensoi which is native only to New Zealand.

Known as New Zealand Flax, these plants have historically been used by the Māori people as a source of fibre for creating textiles, rope and sails.

More recently they have become ornamentally popular around the world, becoming beloved for their spectacular form, leading to the creation of many new cultivars in recent years.

Phormium ‘Rainbow Queen’
Soil: Moist but Well Drained
Soil that allows water to drain at a moderate rate, without the water pooling.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Water Requirement: Medium
Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Full Sun
Wants direct, unfiltered sunlight most of the day, such as a south facing position.
Eventual Height: 1.5m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 1.5m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Hardy
Survives unprotected in an average winter. May need protection in extreme long frosts.
Habit: Evergreen
Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.

Expert Tip

Phormium are frequently grown alongside Yucca and Cordyline for their similar, complementary appearances.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Phormiums are undemanding plants that thrive in a sunny border with moist soil, or planted in a container. Once established they become drought tolerant.

Make sure to leave some space between the Phormium and surrounding plants as the Phormium’s large leaves can take over their space.

Phormium are generally hardy for normal winters but mulching around the base and using fleece jackets can help protect them during particularly cold spells.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.